On Sunday morning, Redstone Arsenal seemed like it was an Olympic venue as the post’s southern end was transformed into a triathlon course for the Rocketman Triathlon.
Athletes swam 1,500 meters (1,640 yards) in the Tennessee River, rode 40K (25 miles) past test ranges and NASA test stands on high-tech carbon-fiber bicycles, and finally ran 10K (6.2 miles) though the bunkers dotting the southern half of Redstone.
The triathlon, run by the Huntsville Tri Club, started at the Col. Carroll Hudson Recreation Area and featured a swim, bike and run course.
“It’s an incredible race,” said Greg Gelmis, photographer and owner of We Run Huntsville, who was photographing the triathlon. “Where else do you get to start with a swim in a beautiful river setting, run and ride past some really cool Army static displays and NASA test stands as part of a race.”
It’s a safe race for the participants as well. On Sunday there is little traffic on Redstone Arsenal so it’s essentially a closed course for the triathletes.
“There’s not many triathlons with so little traffic,” Gelmis said. “It’s run very well. They have great volunteers and are very organized. And how many races offer barbecue sandwiches at the end of the race for the athletes and the spectators?”
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